Monthly Archives: January 2020

Malaysia’s Succession Struggle 2019: Economic Slowdown and Instability? KB Teo SYNOPSIS Malaysian politics is engulfed in controversy and uncertainty.  The vicious succession to PM Mahathir within the ruling coalition threatens to worsen. The economy is slowing rapidly and foreign investments have fallen sharply.  Unless the succession issue is quickly resolved, instability threatens. COMMENTARY Malaysian politicsContinue reading “Malaysia’s Succession Struggle 2019: Economic Slowdown and Instability?”

ASEAN 2019:  Growing Influence and Clout KB Teo SYNOPSIS Since its formation in 1967, ASEAN has steadily grown in influence and clout globally.  It has contributed to maintaining peace and prosperity in Southeast Asia. The Great Powers have explicitly acknowledged ASEAN’s centrality. COMMENTARY ASEAN has 10 Dialogue Partners: Australia, Canada, China, European Union, India, Japan,Continue reading “ASEAN 2019: Growing Influence and Clout”

Taiwan Elections 2020: Status Quo or Change? KB Teo SYNOPSIS Taiwan’s Presidential Elections is scheduled for 11 January 2020.  Will Tsai Ing-Wen win another term? Or will the Kuomintang (KMT)’s Han Kuo-Yu be the victor?  COMMENTARY Opinion polls show that incumbent Tsai will win re-election.  Does Han stand a chance? Ma Ying-Jeou’s speech in JulyContinue reading “Taiwan Elections 2020: Status Quo or Change?”

China and Taiwan: Consistency and Patience KB Teo SYNOPSIS Since 1949, Beijing has a consistent Taiwan policy.  China sees Taiwan as a renegade province that must return to the motherland, by force if necessary.  Seventy years have passed. China’s patience, not surprisingly, has limits. COMMENTARY In the Chinese Civil War (1930-1949),  General Chiang Kai Shek’sContinue reading

Philippine Foreign Policy Under President Duterte: Continuity and Change KB Teo SYNOPSIS President Duterte’s foreign policy is characterised by continuity and change.  He continues to vigorously pursue Philippine national interests. The big change is his strong interest in strengthening economic and financial ties with China, especially infrastructure projects. COMMENTARY In 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte hadContinue reading

Thailand’s Foreign Policy 2019: Continuity and Dynamism KB Teo SYNOPSIS Thailand’s Foreign Policy is characterised by continuity and dynamism.  It is expanding relations with fellow ASEAN members. Bangkok is also forging closer ties with China. COMMENTARY For seasoned observers of Thai politics, the sense of déjà vu was undeniable. The election in March 2019 wasContinue reading “Thailand’s Foreign Policy 2019: Continuity and Dynamism”

Japan-South Korea Tensions 2019: Deepening or Reconciliation? KB Teo SYNOPSIS The current Japan-South Korea tensions are related to historical grievances and trade conflicts.  Seoul, wisely, has a keen interest to end the dispute as soon as possible. COMMENTARY THE recent Japan-South Korea tensions arose due to a loss of trust over an October 2018 SouthContinue reading “Japan-South Korea Tensions 2019: Deepening or Reconciliation?”

Brunei’s Foreign Policy 2019: Low-profile But Activist KB Teo SYNOPSIS Brunei is a small but oil-rich state in Southeast Asia.  It is one of the most Islamic states in the world. It is forging closer ties with China. COMMENTARY Brunei Darussalam is an oil-rich country.  Sultan Bolkiah’s net worth is USD 20 billion, making himContinue reading “Brunei’s Foreign Policy 2019: Low-profile But Activist”

Myanmar’s Foreign Policy 2019 KB Teo SYNOPSIS Myanmar’s foreign policy is characterised by a strong nationalism. A multiethnic state, Myanmar is developing close ties with its fellow ASEAN member states, China, and India. COMMENTARY China and India will dominate Myanmar’s foreign policy stage, and their dealings with the rest of ASEAN will grow during 2018.Continue reading “Myanmar’s Foreign Policy 2019”

Indonesian Foreign Policy Under President Jokowi 2020 KB Teo SYNOPSIS Indonesian foreign policy is characterised by a nationalist orientation.  President Jokowi seeks to enhance Indonesia’s international profile and influence, especially within ASEAN.  He is cautiously seeking close ties with China. COMMENTARY Jokowi’s inauguration on 20 October 2019. Jokowi’s focus on domestic issues and his inexperienceContinue reading “Indonesian Foreign Policy: Under President Jokowi 2020”